clear
Dive in with the Dolphins at Dolphin Encounters
Get up close and personal with what Bahamians get to see every day during your vacation to Nassau. A trip to Blue Lagoon Island will let you get nose to nose with a bottlenose. Dolphin Encounters is located juts a short boat ride from Nassau, making it perfectly convenient to Blue Water Resort. It is home to nearly 20 dolphins, some of which are mother and child/children and about 8 sea lions, ranging in age from three to 23 years old. The animal community frolics in a natural setting, set up along a gorgeous natural lagoon, that is more than comfortable to both the flippered and footed.
About Dolphin Encounters
The program is owned and operated by a local family in the Bahamas. The family dove into the business in 1989 when two Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins were rescued from an aquarium that closed in Nassau. The dolphins were brought to a large all-natural seawater habitat on Treasure Island. Another six soon joined the two dolphins, and Dolphin Encounters was officiated. When the family realized they were going to need a spectacular habitat for these spectacular animals, they relocated to Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay), three miles away from Nassau – which is where they remain today.In 1995 the place was given a multi-million dollar expansion that enlarged the dolphin area to more than three acres of surface space, with depths of up to 25 feet. All the other parts of a state-of-the-art dolphin habitat were constructed then too, such as a modern fish preparation kitchen, photo/video lab, gift shop and guest facilities.
In 2006, Dolphin Encounters met its first California Sea Lions. These guys had lost their home after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Marinelife Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi. The facility expanded again to make these pups happy and comfortable too.
So there you have it, six sea lions and 18 dolphins – waiting for you to come say hello.
Here’s what you can do with these friendly sea creatures when you come across the channel to visit:
Things to Do At Dolphin Encounters
Pet the Dolphins at Dolphin Encounter
A brief, fun and informative orientation will lead you into waist-deep water to get up close and personal with the dolphins. Hugs, kisses, dancing and rub downs will occur during this dolphin encounter, and everyone involved will leave with a new appreciation and love for this oceanic acrobat.Dolphin Swim At Dolphin Encounters
This is a 3 ½ hour program where you get into the lagoon water with the dolphins. You begin with an informative and interesting orientation, where you cover the history of the organization and dolphins, training techniques, facts about ocean conservation and guidelines. Then, get ready to fall in love with a dolphin. Kisses and hugs galore! You will also get to experience the foot-push move, where they come from under and push you out of the water! So fun.Sea Lion Encounter At Dolphin Encounters
This experience is the only of its kind in the Bahamas, and one of only a few in the world. Specially designed, waist deep platforms allow guests to pet, hug and feed these goofy animals. Getting close to these California Sea Lions will leave you with a smile and a wish to have one as a pet.Other Adventures At Dolphin Encounters
If you are feeling a bit flighty about getting in with such large and powerful animals, opt for the observation deck. You can come visit the facility and watch these animals be themselves, interact with others and go through training programs and health checkups. You will still have many photo ops and much to learn by simply visiting and watching from above the water line.You can also swim in the calm, crystal-clear lagoon, enjoying the warm sun and happiness that surrounds this beautiful habitat. There are beach volleyball courts, beach soccer fields, kayaks and water bikes to enjoy, among many other activities. If you want no activity, lay yourself down in a hammock and just chill while the kids run rampant.
This place is a great spot for families and friends to visit during a vacation to the Bahamas because it gives visitors the opportunity to get in touch with the nature and wildlife. Not only will you learn about the importance of conservation, animal protection and environmental education as a whole, you will have a blast!
Related Bahamas Articles
Gaming in Nassau: Atlantis Resort and Casino
Nassau Bahamas History
Related Islands Articles
Nassau Bahamas History
Bahia Honda State Park - Snorkeling, Kayaking and Beaches
The Best Beach Retreats Bluegreen Has To Offer
Explore Tropical Aruba on Horseback
Island Time in the Florida Keys
View More
Related Travel Guides
Bahamas
Related Resorts
Blue Water Resort
Comments
Blue Lagoon Island has many attractions but this one was our favorite.